Experience will be key in GOP primary

A UW-Madison political scientist says all three Republican debates in the race for governor did little to set the candidates apart on their proposals.

Milwaukee County Executive Scott Walker and former Congressman Mark Neumann candidates met last night in their final debate before the primary. Professor Charles Franklin says the debates were informative, although both candidates kept the discussion civil and they seem content to let voters make their decision based on what they’ve seen and read.

Franklin says the two candidates differed on some technical issues, but he doesn’t see any of those as a turning point in the campaign that would lead voters to reconsider their support. As a result, he says all three debates over the past month have effectively been a draw.

Franklin says voters will largely have experience to consider when making their decision, either Walker in his role as Milwaukee County Executive or Neumann as a business owner and former member of Congress.

Voters will decide which candidate wins the Republican nomination on September 14th.